Former INEC boss, Jega slams Nigerian universities for honoring uneducated

Former INEC Chairman and existent Chairman of the Governing Council of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Professor Attahiru Jega, has criticized the increasing inclination of Nigerian universities awarding honorary degrees to individuals without world merit.

Speaking astatine the 14th convocation lecture of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) successful Abuja connected Friday, April 11, 2025, Jega described the enactment arsenic a betrayal of the world system.

He applauded the graduating students for their hard enactment and commitment, noting that it is profoundly unfair for a pupil to walk 4 oregon much years studying, and a lecturer to give clip to research, lone for idiosyncratic with nary ceremonial acquisition oregon schoolroom acquisition to beryllium honored with a grade for governmental oregon selfish reasons.

“This is simply a stain connected the integrity and respect of Nigerian universities,” helium said.

Jega further emphasized that specified practices are undermining the worth of acquisition successful the country. He urged students, educators, and institutions to basal steadfast successful protecting world excellence and defy the politicization of honorary awards.

Also speaking astatine the event, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, reminisced astir a clip erstwhile Nigerian acquisition was globally respected. He noted that portion the state inactive maintains a level of prestige, governmental power is threatening to erode it if caution is not taken.